Rockford’s Riley Murphy named NAHL star of the week

By @MichaelCaples –

One of the four NAHL stars of the week announced Monday hails from the Great Lakes State.

Congratulations to Riley Murphy, a Rockford native and forward for the Aberdeen Wings – this week’s Central Division Star of the Week for the NAHL.

Murphy, 19, recorded four points in his team’s two-game sweep of the Minnesota Wilderness. The Fox Motors native posted a hat trick on Friday, including the game-winning goal in overtime for a 4-3 victory. He picked up an assist on the game’s first goal Saturday, which turned out to be the game-winner, as well, in a 4-0 win.

“Riley has matured a lot from his time in the NAHL, and he has become a big leader to this year’s group,” said Aberdeen head coach Scott Langer. “He has the ability to be a difference maker each night. This weekend was a great example of the elite hockey style he can play.”

In the midst of his fourth NAHL season, Murphy has nine points in 10 games. Last year, he set a career mark with 41 points in 58 games.